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In the wake of December 18th's devastating storm, affectionately dubbed the "Grinch," the Retail Association of Maine (RAM) and the Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association (MGFPA) are taking proactive steps to support the numerous businesses affected across the state. The storm brought severe flooding, road washouts, and prolonged power outages, resulting in substantial losses for retailers, grocers, restaurants, and other small enterprises.

 

Inspired by the successful relief efforts in Vermont following a similar catastrophe, RAM and MGFPA are proud to announce the launch of the Maine Business Relief Fund. This initiative aims to provide crucial financial assistance to Maine's small businesses in their recovery from the storm's impact. The fund will offer grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to cover expenses such as equipment replacement, operating expenses, supplies, and assistance with cleanup, etc. The goal is to help meet immediate needs until further support is available. 

 

“Maine’s retailers and small businesses have been through a lot for a few years now, but a storm like this during the final week of holiday sales was an incredible blow to many of our small businesses. It is our hope that the Maine Business Relief Fund will help provide some necessary support to help clean up, replenish lost inventory, and help get them back on track in 2024,” stated Curtis Picard, President and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine.

 

“A number of Maine’s independent grocers lost perishable food, and equipment due to flooding, or prolonged power outages as a result of the December 18th storm. Grocers operate on very small margins, so providing them a little help will go a long way for these critical businesses in Maine’s rural communities,” added Christine Cummings, Executive Director of Maine Grocers and Food Producers Association.

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Program Highlights:

• Modeled after Vermont's relief program, which raised $800,000 and distributed grants of up to $10,000 to impacted businesses.

• Businesses will be eligible for financial grants of up to $10,000 as early as January 2024.

• Applications will open January 4, 2024 at 10 AM through January 31, 2024.

• Eligibility: Fourteen of Maine's sixteen counties were included in Governor Mills' Emergency Declaration and are eligible to apply for 'Maine Business Relief Funds' (businesses located in York and Cumberland County are not eligible to apply). Eligible businesses are those that were directly impacted by flooding, lost or damaged inventory, or extended power outages resulting in lost sales. Applications will be reviewed by a dedicated committee of business leaders until funds are exhausted.

• The funds are to address gaps in, and not duplicate other forms of assistance, that may be available for recovery, including from Federal and State departments and agencies.

 

Early Commitments and Matching Funds:

• We are proud to announce a commitment of $250,000 in matching funds from an anonymous private donor, emphasizing the significant impact of collective contributions.

• We are proud to partner with the Maine Tourism Association, Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Maine Area Chamber of Commerce, the Forks Chamber of Commerce, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, Maine Development Foundation and others.
   

RAM and MGFPA work closely with Maine’s small businesses and recognize the crucial role they play in our communities, and are pleased to facilitate the necessary support through this crisis. Our associations alongside our partners in the hospitality and tourism industry have strong lines of communication with our members and state leaders.